Determination to see north reap more from cruise bonanza

EFFORTS are being made to spread the spin-off from Invergordon’s record-breaking cruise liner trade.

The spin-off, estimated at £17 million from the 93 liners berthing at Invergordon this year, could be topped in 2019 with a longer season planned.

Port of Cromarty Firth cruise manager Allison McGuire said she hoped to help attractions in the north tap a larger share from passengers, many of whom head to Loch Ness on bus tours.

The port held workshops last year in a bid to help businesses tap the potential. Ms McGuire acknowledged improving Invergordon’s infrastructure to handle the arrival of anything up to 5000 people in a single day remains a challenge to be overcome. But she added: "There are opportunities to get visitors through the door.

"Attitudes are changing and people see this is a growing industry. We want to see people coming on these day trips return for two-week vacations."

It’s expected next year’s season will begin in the middle of March and run into October. There are 110 new cruise ships being built around the world at present.

Ms McGuire said: "They all need somewhere to go and we aim to make Invergordon as attractive as possible."

David Richardson, Highlands and Islands development manager for the Federation of Small Businesses, said: "The more that the Port Authority and cruise ship agents work with appropriate local businesses to help them understand and adapt to meet the needs of this lucrative market, and then promote them actively to passengers before they reach port, the better for all concerned. Done properly, everyone should win."